WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | June 6, 2025 | Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic crashes in 2023. Many of these crashes involved impaired drivers who thought they were safe to drive. So, if you’re wondering, “Can you drive after one beer?” the safe answer is “no.” Any alcohol in your system can affect your ability to drive safely.
The Effect of Alcohol on the Human Body
Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, which can alter mood and behavior, making it harder to think clearly and move in a coordinated way.
Alcohol can also cause the following adverse effects on driving:
- Difficulty multitasking
- Difficulty tracking a moving object
- Delayed reaction times
- Difficulty with motor control function, such as steering or changing gears
- Depth perception is negatively affected
- Problems concentrating
- Slowed information processing
The more a person drinks, the greater the impact of impairment.
Factors Influencing How Alcohol Affects the Body
Even small amounts of alcohol can have a profound impact on a person’s body, but how alcohol affects a particular person depends on various factors, such as:
- Sex
- Mental and physical health
- Medical conditions
- Use of drugs and medication
- Whether they have eaten
- Their alcohol tolerance
- Muscle tone
- Age
- Weight
- The number of drinks
- How fast they drink
Because alcohol impacts each person differently based on a range of physical, psychological, and situational variables, there is no universal “safe” amount that applies to everyone.
Legal Alcohol Limit in Maryland
Like in most states, Maryland’s legal limit for alcohol is 0.08%. If a person is stopped and tested with a blood alcohol concentration of greater than 0.08%, they can be arrested and charged with DUI.
A conviction for a first-time DUI in Maryland can result in jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,200. They can also have 12 points added to their driver’s license and have their license revoked for up to six months.
Can You Have One Drink and Drive?
A standard alcoholic drink has about half an ounce of alcohol. This could include one 12-ounce beer, one 5-ounce glass of wine, or one shot of spirits. While you will likely be below the state’s legal limit if you have just one drink, alcohol can impact you even if you’ve only had a single drink. It only takes a few minutes for alcohol to reach the brain in an average person.
A single drink will increase your BAC by about 0.02% for an average person.
At this level, the NHTSA predicts that you would start feeling the following symptoms:
- Some loss of judgment
- Altered mood
- Decline in rapid tracking of a moving target
- Decline in the ability to perform two tasks at the same time
If you add another drink, you may have loss of small-muscle control, impaired judgment, lowered alertness, lowered inhibitions, reduced coordination, reduced ability to track moving objects, difficulty steering, and reduced response to emergency driving situations.
The NHTSA says that even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability, noting that 2,117 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes involving drivers with a BAC of 0.01% to 0.07%. So, if you’ve had even a single drink, it’s best to avoid driving.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Drunk Driving Accident Victims Seek Justice
If you were injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A personal injury claim can help hold the responsible party accountable and support your recovery after being harmed by someone’s reckless decision to drink and drive.
In the event of a fatal drunk driving crash, WGK Personal Injury Lawyers can help your family pursue justice and compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the loss of love and companionship of your loved one. Contact us today to get started with a free case review.
Contact the Baltimore Car Accident Law Firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information contact the Baltimore car accident law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers – Dundalk Office
7329 Holabird Ave Suite 3, Dundalk, MD 21222
By appointment only
(410) 970-3080